LAWRENCEVILLE-The Rider University wrestling team defeated Princeton University 32-11 Saturday in their first home match in the newly renovated Alumni Gymnasium.

"I think the aggressive nature of our kids, constantly looking to score, get more points and bonus points and our shape were most impressive," said associate head coach John Hangey. "I think we wore that team (Princeton) down pretty good and that comes from training hard and preparation the week prior."

The Broncs won the first five bouts to take a 17-0 lead and won eight of 10 overall to improve their record to 3-0.

"As a coach you always hope it's a lop sided score but I think a couple of those matches that could have went either way went our way because of our preparation and constant aggressive style," Hangey said. "It probably should have been a little bit closer but we wrestled well today."

For the Broncs, sophomore Donald McNeil (Plainville, Mass./Wyoming Seminary) won by fall in 39 seconds over Princeton's Abe Ayala at 197 to give Rider a 23-6 lead. McNeil is now 9-4 overall on the season and unbeaten in duals at 3-0.

"That was important for Donald (McNeil) to do," said Hangey. "Donald is that kind of kid. He will constantly try to pin people and put people to their back. That is important in this sport and it helps the team."

Also for Rider, junior Ramon Santiago (Sayreville) won a 7-0 decision in the 165 pound bout over Princeton's Judd Ziegler. With the win, Santiago improved to 11-1 overall and 3-0 in dual matches.

"I was just playing it calm, because once I got on top of him I felt confident I could turn him or ride him," Santiago said. "I was just waiting for mistakes."

Santiago came into the match ranked 15th in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News in his 165 pound weight class.

"My goal is to be an All-American and that is showing me I am once step closer being ranked," said Santiago. "When it comes national time I hope to be on the podium in the top eight."

"Ramon's biggest thing is he always had the talent but the biggest thing he is missing is toughness," Hangey said. "We have worked solely on his toughness in preseason and in the practice room. He is starting to match that mental toughness to his talent and that is what you are seeing."

"Everybody just kept going today," Santiago added. "We looked like the aggressor and we were in better condition. I expected our team to come out and dominate. It was our first home match and everyone was excited."

Freshman heavyweight Greg Velasco (Union Beach/Keyport) and sophomore 133 Jimmy Morris (Northport, N.Y./St. Anthony's) recorded the last two wins for the Broncs.

Rider defeated Princeton 30-10 last year and 24-13 in 2010. The Broncs now have won 12 of the last 14 dual bouts with the Tigers.

The Broncs will travel to Piscataway for a match against Rutgers next Saturday.